ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this association shall be the FRIENDS OF THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, herein called "Friends."

ARTICLE II - Mission Statement
The Friends of the Florida State University Libraries include individuals and organizations from the university and community and others who value the vital role of libraries in learning, teaching, and research. The Friends support the FSU Libraries in their efforts to contribute to Florida State University's stature as an outstanding research university. The Friends support the Libraries by heightening awareness of the Libraries' resources, services, and needs; by sponsoring programs that stimulate intellectual and cultural interchange; by providing financial support to enhance library resources and services; by supporting the fundraising efforts of the Libraries; and by fostering communication.

ARTICLE III - Membership
Any interested person or organization may become a member upon payment of membership dues. Membership (except for Life Membership) shall run from September 1 to August 31.

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall set the dues schedule for membership categories.

Section 2. Voting at regular and special meetings shall be by members present, or, in case of votes by mail, of all eligible members. In the case of a family membership, two members of the family shall be eligible to vote. In the case of an organizational membership, an authorized representative may cast one vote.

ARTICLE IV - The Board of Directors
Section 1. The executive authority of the Friends shall be vested in a Board of Directors, the responsibilities and duties of which shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Raising funds by any means approved by the Director of the University Libraries;
2. Recommending a schedule of dues and establishing benefits of each of the various classes of members; and
3. Planning events and meetings of the Friends.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the Friends (see Article V); eight directors elected by the membership; the Immediate Past-President of the Friends; four members as follows: the Chair of the Faculty Senate Library Committee, a representative appointed by the Florida State University Foundation Inc., a representative appointed by the Alumni Association, a representative of the Seminole Boosters Inc.; and as many as three at-large members to be appointed by the Director of the University Libraries. Each elected Director must be a member of the Friends at the time of election and shall serve a term of two years. A quorum for conducting business shall be defined as seven members of the Board, a majority of whom must be from the officers and elected directors, including either the President or Vice President.

Section 3. All Directors shall serve until the expiration of their terms except in cases of incapacity, resignation, or removal from office. Removing a Director from office for cause shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of all current members of the Board. The Board shall have the authority to elect a person of its choice to fill any vacancy occurring among elected Directors through resignation, incapacity, or removal from office; the elected Director shall serve until the expiration of the vacated term.

Section 4. The terms of one-half of the elected Directors shall expire each year. At the time of the initial election of Directors, the Nominating Committee shall present a slate that includes certain names who could serve a one-year term and other names who could serve a two-year term. Voting members may also nominate additional candidates.

Section 5. Any Director may seek reelection at the expiration of his or her term.

Section 6. A nominating committee shall propose to the Board of Directors a list of candidates for expiring terms.  The Board shall vote on the slate, and the new members shall be presented to the membership at the Annual Dinner.

ARTICLE V - Officers
Section 1. Following the organizational year, the Board shall elect officers before the Annual Meeting.  The term of officer so elected shall begin with the Annual Meeting and continue until the election of their successors.  New officers shall be presented to the membership at the Annual Dinner.

Section 2. The Executive Committee consists of the organization's officers: the President; the Vice President, who is responsible for programs; the Secretary, who shall be the Director of the University Libraries; the Treasurer, who shall be appointed by the Director of the University Libraries; and the Immediate Past-President of the Friends.

Section 3. The officers shall have the usual powers and duties that the officers of a voluntary association exercise.

Section 4. The term of office for President and Vice President shall be two years.

Section 5. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Vice President. In such instances, the Executive Committee may appoint an interim Vice-President from among elected members of the Board of Directors. The Board may fill a vacancy in the office of Vice President in the same manner.

Section 2. The Board of Directors must hold at least two meetings during any twelve-month period.

Section 3. The Friends may hold additional meetings for educational, cultural, or other purposes.

Prepared by the By-Laws Committee (2/02):
Dennis Moore, Chairman
Penny Gilmer
Gloria Colvin

Last Updated: 4/26/04